Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both widely used as pain relievers and both follow the same principle to provide pain relief. They provide pain relief due to an enzyme called Cyclooxygenase that is responsible for the generation of chemicals like prostaglandins (chemicals found in inflamed tissue) in the body. Prostaglandins cause inflammation, swelling or pain at the site of damage or injury. The nerve endings that can carry this message to the brain are very sensitive to prostaglandins and immediately convey the location and the intensity of the pain to the brain. Both aspirin and Ibuprofen hinder the production of prostaglandins by the body cells and therefore the brain does not receive any nerve signals that convey pain. Hence we do not feel any pain, after the consumption of these pain reliefs.

The side effects caused by aspirin defer slightly from those caused by Ibuprofen. Aspirin can cause conditions like an upset-stomach, dyspepsia and heartburn. It can prove fatal to HEMOPHILIACS because it can double-up as an anticoagulant (medicine that prevents clogging of blood), it can result in a brain disorder called Reye’s syndrome in young children as well. On the other hand, Ibuprofen is less irritating on the esophagus and the stomach lining. Hence it would be the best product for people suffering with ulcers and acid reflux disease. Unlike aspirin Ibuprofen also has analgesic and anti-pyretic properties.